I absolutely adore summer! But there comes a time, sometime after the 4th that I start to look ahead to fall and imagine cool afternoon strolls with cafe dinners al fresco. Ah, fall! But before I get ahead of myself, there's still the entire month of August to enjoy. So to indulge, here's some things I'm currently loving that are perfect for fall, but make wonderful transition pieces until then!!

If you've watched my insta stories, you know I am frantically trying to de-clutter and lighten the stuff in our home and life. In wanting to surround myself with items that have purpose rather than intention, I'm trying hard to only invest in those pieces that serve a function, whether that be practical or one that brings joy into our life. Hence, my current love of Moroccan Market Totes. Their neutral color and natural texture speak to my love and joy for simple and beautifully made goods, but their size and basket like quality serve duel purposes. Of course perfect for the grocery store or picnics, it's the perfect task bag, but these also would do wonders throughout the house serving as the perfect place for storage! I recently splurged on this tote for our upcoming Great American Road Trip, but I also love the look of this, this and this (all under $35!!)

Recently, I've tried to up my hat game. My old standby have always been these baseball hats (which I still love!), but in wanting to expand, and mostly block my ageing face from harmful rays, I was super thrilled to find this straw hat under $20! I love the shape so much I just splurged on this version as well...I'll let you know how it fits once I get it!

I'm pretty obsessed with huarache sandals right now. This pair has been on repeat all summer and I'm debating ordering another pair for fall. Truth be told, I'm really hard on shoes. This pair has been great for summer, but is about completely worn through after just a couple months. So, I'm currently looking to invest in a higher quality pair that will last longer...any brand suggestions! But if you too, want to give this look a try, for $25, this brand was comfy and cute while it lasted!

Well, there you have it. No long list. Just three things I love, love, love right now. Perfect neutrals for falls, super versatile and bring purpose to this little life of mine! Hope you guys continue to enjoy your summer days...we're off to enjoy an afternoon of eating pineapples and fun in the sprinklers! hugs, Michelle

With lazy summer days, sometimes the very best thing is to stay in your pajamas and curl up with some good books! And after giving P & K's room a much needed 'big kid room makeover', we're loving the addition of a little reading nook! (see that post with all the details here!) So, today we're sharing our Summer Favorites! These are the books that currently line our shelves and are on continuous repeat in our house! So, if you too are looking for a good summer read (either to gift or for your own kids, I highly recommend considering one of these!) Happy Saturday Friends!

The official start to summer is about a week away! The season of road trips, seaside visits, pool days, beach days...lazy days. Summer to me means adventures, big and small. I love exploring those places that are off the beaten path...camouflaged in their environment, . It's a local restaurant, a natural spot or a place near to your heart. Custom House Wharf in Portland, Maine is that place.

Boats come and go, with fisherman unloading their bounty and yet, throughout the hustle and bustle, it's a peaceful scene by the sea. Years ago I discovered a shop, tucked away, among the working waterfront that instills everything that is good in American design, make and green sustainability. After years of visiting and admiring from afar, I asked Sea Bags if I could stop by for a behind the scenes look at a company I'm proud to say is 100% American Made.

Upon walking through the front doors you're greeted with colorful totes and accessories, featuring fun appliques and classic prints. At first glance you assume you've entered into a charming boutique, but peek behind the displays and you'll notice a full production workshop.

What makes Sea Bags unique is that all their goods are handmade from authentic recycled sails...making no two bags alike...yeah, that's pretty remarkable! And every single product is made here, in their Custom House wharf location. The shop's footprint is much smaller than you'd expect, especially for a company that is now known globally. Upon entering, you're met with the soft hum of sewing machines and quickly notice rope neatly hung from hooks and meaningful, vintage sails artfully displayed on the walls.

Hanging from the wood beams are totes that have special meaning to a company that already has so much history.

With fifteen years of experience and over 500 tons of recycled sails, Sea Bags has found a way to perfectly blend form and function.

The day we visited we were greeted by a happy, hardworking team of people. They walked us through the steps it takes to turn a sail into a Sea Bag . From splicing and whipping each handle, to hand cutting, to adding grommets, every step is handcrafted with the highest standard of quality and attention to detail.

But beyond the beauty and appreciation for recycled products, this is a company that employs more than 40 employees right in the heart of Portland, Maine.

Order a product online and more times than not it's made to order! Once complete it's shipped directly to you from this seaside workshop!

And when they tout their location as being part of the working waterfront, they're not kidding. From the Sea Bags back porch, we witnessed a local lobsterman pull up his daily catch...literally.

You don't get any closer to a local community than that!

I hope one day you can make the trip, to see for yourself the hard work and superb craftsmanship that Sea Bags is committed to in their Custom House Wharf location.

But in the meantime, know that supporting a great American company is just a click away. There online shop offers all their designs including options to customize your own tote and rare sails, bearing the original insignia, are added weekly to the vintage section. Regular auctions provide a chance to bid on one of kind, collection pieces, although, if you ask me, all their products are collectible! So, whether you're needing a new beach tote, travel bag or hostess gift, please consider buying American made!

A big thank you to Sea Bags for hosting us all morning, allowing us to ask way too many questions and giving us access to photograph a behind the scenes look!